Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Tent State to do mini Long March

The Tent State University organizers say they believe they have resolved questions about what to do once the curfew strikes at 11 p.m. at City Park: Pack their belongings and tents and march every night to the Pepsi Center's protest zone.

While at the Pepsi Center's demonstration site, organizers said during a news conference Wednesday, they plan to continue to demonstrate against the Iraq war and then feign sleeping as part of their act of protest. The protest zone will be open 24 hours.

Adam Jung, an organizer for Tent State University, mocked the city's allocation of the protest zone for demonstrators at the southeast corner of the arena's parking lot, near Seventh Street and the Aurora [sic] Parkway. Nonetheless, he said, the demonstration site would be the location in which hundreds — or thousands — of protesters would converge on [sic] once they're booted out of City Park and they begin the 2-and-a-half-mile trek to the Pepsi Center.

"We have felt that the city's stance on this issue was based on their desire to suppress the demonstrations and any message that exposes the Democratic Party's refusal to end the war," Jung said as another protester, Karen McGuire, clad in full Revolutionary War regalia, played the "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" on a fife. . . .

And, thanks to modern technology, you don't have to imagine the scene:

God, that's awful. And hey, would YOU eat "Freedom Toast" made by these people, especially after they've been exposed to the elements for a few days? Yurch. Even the MSM will turn down that little freebie.

For some reason the video cut this Jungian quote:

"Each night demonstrators will take the freedom cage and transform it into the 'Freedomville Shantytown.' "

Got a ring to it. Only one problem:

Sue Cobb, the mayor's spokeswoman, said structures, including tents, would be banned at the Pepsi Center's demonstration zone because of "security considerations and the need to ensure everyone's right to free expression."

The city has a solution, though:

However, Cobb said that demonstrators wouldn't be violating any laws if they bring in tents into the public demonstration zone but don't erect them.

By morning, protesters plan to pack up their gear and head back to City Park where they will set up their camps, continue their anti-war messages and be entertained by music and speeches.

One more quote, because it's there:

One of the protesters will be Jared Hood, 25, who served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Kuwait in 2004. "To see protestors that want to have peaceful demonstrations be shamed by the city I live in, I think that's despicable," Hood said.

Update: So these days reporters always check when someone tells them he's served in the military, right? Right?

"We'll feign sleep," Jung said. "Maybe we'll sleep during the day. I have a feeling most of our organizers will be on Red Bull."

For five days.

As Tent State organizers announced their plans during a news conference Wednesday, the group dressed in patriotic American costumes and played songs on a flute. They also offered slices of apple pie.

"There's nothing more American than apple pie," Jung said when asked why it was being served.

"Humor is a powerful weapon, and you have to have a sense of humor when you are dealing with the city of Denver," he said. , , ,

Oh, it was humor. Ha. Ha. Abbie Hoffman would be proud, if he weren't DEAD.

Jung said he believes everyone will pack up and walk peacefully through neighborhoods every night.

"This does not seem like a plan to me," said City Councilwoman Carla Madison, whose district covers City Park. "It does not sound accommodating to his people. If I were one of his Tent State folks, I would find myself a place to sleep or consider not going."

Hint, hint.

Neighbors along the 3-mile route, already concerned with Tent State's plans in City Park, are not convinced it will be a smooth procession.

"If all these young people are going to leave City Park and walk somewhere every night, then I want the city to tell me how they are going to manage that activity," said Nancy Francis, a resident of City Park West.

"That is an invitation for crime and damage and all those sorts of things," she said.